#17 - Cameron Magee (avad3)

→ Learn more about Greenwood Gearhart→ Learn more about Cushman & Wakefield Sage PartnersWhat does it take to grow a one-man AV setup into a multi-million-dollar production company serving some of the biggest stages in America?In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Cameron Magee, founder of avad3 Event Production, to explore how he went from running tech for church services to producing high-stakes corporate events across the country. Cameron shares the full behind-the-scenes story starting in high school with nothing but passion, gear, and grit. What began with simple lighting and sound setups grew into a business that now handles everything from live streams to large-scale conferences for Fortune 500 clients. And it all started in Northwest Arkansas. If you're an entrepreneur building a service-based business, or just love stories of creative people scaling impact through systems and excellence, this episode is packed with wisdom and insight.SummaryCameron’s entrepreneurial journey began at age 14, helping churches with AV setup. He founded avad3 while still in college and slowly scaled the business by prioritizing reliability, client service, and doing the little things right. His approach wasn’t flashy - it was intentional. And that commitment to quality is what set avad3 apart from day one.Instead of chasing flashy growth or big marketing campaigns, Cameron focused on refining process, building team culture, and empowering his crew. By creating systems and building trust, he turned avad3 into a company that could operate at a national scale without losing its human touch. Cameron discusses how discipline, delegation, and documentation have been essential to sustainable growth.Today, avad3 serves clients coast to coast, yet remains proudly based in Northwest Arkansas. Cameron talks about why he chose to stay rooted in the region, how his team continues to innovate with gear and training, and what it means to elevate the entire experience—not just the event itself.Highlights00:00 – Early beginnings: high school gigs, gear collecting, and church events15:00 – Founding avad330:00 – Building credibility, hiring a team, and learning how to lead45:00 – Developing systems and the philosophy behind quality control57:00 – When the White House calls1:15:00 – Staying rooted in NWA while growing a national client baseNick's 3 Key TakeawaysSlow growth is strategic growth - Cameron didn’t sprint to scale, he refined, repeated, and built carefully for the long haul.Excellence is in the details - From pre-event prep to showtime execution, avad3’s competitive edge comes from flawless attention to detail.You don’t have to leave home to go big - Cameron proves that national impact can come from local roots, if the product is strong and the vision is clear.Follow us on LinkedIn NWA FoundersFollow us on Instagram @NWAFoundersFollow us on YouTube NWA FoundersFor guest suggestions or inquiries [email protected] Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer.